Letters: Councillor left in untenable position over carer tendering

Published on Saturday 5 December 2009 09:41

OVER the last two days we have seen Councillor Paul Edie conduct a robust defence of the proposed tendering system for carers' services. .

He maintained that the proposals were robust and watertight and took personal responsibility for the process.

The same day, Councillor Jenny Dawe, leader of the city council, put out a press release saying that she had been in touch with officers (and not apparently Cllr Edie) who told her that there were flaws in the system.

On that basis, she suspended the process and called in independent assessors. Clearly, Cllr Dawe has no confidence in Cllr Edie and his position is now fatally undermined.

Given an untenable position will he now do the honourable thing and resign? Or will Cllr Dawe have to sack him?

I call on him to resign now in order to minimise any further damage to the reputation of Edinburgh Council.

Stewart Geddes, Conservative party parliamentary candidate for Edinburgh West, Quality Street Lane, Edinburgh

Don't use charity as a political football

I WAS disappointed to read Iain McGill's letter about the good works that Bethany, his previous employer, are doing with the council to help the homeless in Edinburgh (News, 2 December).

Ian Gordon, chief executive of Bethany, and myself met recently with some of the service users who are benefiting from the changes in the way we are handling homelessness. I was astounded at the level of service they are offering, which I have to say goes beyond what they need to do.

Mr McGill is out-of-date with his information and it saddens me that someone who seems to be concerned is trying to make political points at the cost of an honourable charity which has only ever tried to help people.

I have said before, if anyone has any evidence that the council, Bethany or any other provider working in partnership to provide services for the homeless are not delivering on our strict criteria then they should raise the matter with me directly.

Cllr Norman Work, chair, Edinburgh Homelessness Forum

Rogue elements to blame for bugs

I AM sick, tired and very angry at the constant criticisms of our national treasure, the NHS. We are the envy of the world.

Not even the 'great' USA has the wonderful, safe refuge. When we are ill, no-one is ever refused help and when we need it, the door is always open, day or night.

It's not the NHS we should be accusing, it's some of the employees who are unfit to be part of such an important and vital medical team.

These sub-standard people are wholly responsible for the deterioration in our bug-infested wards. They don't know the meaning of the word 'hygiene'. My mother was a midwife and was so highly trained that a spec of dust on her forefinger was treated with the utmost severity.

Long may the NHS reign.

Mrs S. M. De Luca, Baberton Park, Edinburgh

School finally in a class of its own

AS A fresh-faced graduate in 1969, I went for an interview at Tynecastle High School. The head teacher, as an inducement, told me the school was expecting very shortly to be rebuilt with splendid new science laboratories, so I am delighted to see that after only 40 years it will open next month on its new site.

Sadly, it's too late for me, as I am now retired, but I wish the staff and pupils well.

I'm interested, too, to see that the old school will still survive a little longer as an overflow for James Gillespie's pupils while the new school is built.

It's some sort of tribute to the Victorian builders!

Mrs Helen Hughes, Comiston Drive, Edinburgh

Christmas caution for pet presents

WITH Christmas fast approaching, it is not always a happy time, especially when animals are found alone and abandoned.

I would therefore urge anyone who is thinking of taking on a pet, particularly at this time of year, to have a good long think about it.

Mrs June Fleming, Hercus Loan, Musselburgh, East Lothian